Skip to Main Content
Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Grace Stark

Grace Stark, News Editor

Grace Stark is a second-year majoring in journalism, news. She is from Loomis, a small town outside of Sacramento. This is her second semester on The Orion and she is excited to pursue her interests in writing and reporting as the news editor. Outside of school, Grace enjoys thrifting, reading, drawing and spending time with friends. She also has a small business online called Rings by Grace where she sells handmade spoon rings.

All content by Grace Stark
Participants take part in Dabke, a traditional Levantine dance. Taken by Toby Neal on May 6.

Students and community members rally for ceasefire on precipice of graduation

Students for Justice in Palestine held a "Walkout for Palestine" on Monday encouraging students and community members to walk out of school or work to show their support for a ceasefire in Gaza. The...

A large banner on the sidewalk during the SJP walkout reads "Look up the 'Nakba.'"

A large banner on the sidewalk during the SJP walkout reads "Look up the 'Nakba.'"

A table at the SJP walkout with a sign that read "Anti-zionism is not! Anti-semitism."

A table at the SJP walkout with a sign that read "Anti-zionism is not! Anti-semitism."

Students sit on Kendall Hall's lawn inside a ring of Palestine flags.

Students sit on Kendall Hall's lawn inside a ring of Palestine flags.

Associate professor Lindsay Briggs speaks to students during the SJP walkout on Kendall Hall's lawn.

Associate professor Lindsay Briggs speaks to students during the SJP walkout on Kendall Hall's lawn.

Photos of journalists who lost their lives in the Palestine Israel conflict form a large circle on Kendall Hall's lawn.

Photos of journalists who lost their lives in the Palestine Israel conflict form a large circle on Kendall Hall's lawn.

Photos of journalists who lost their lives in the Palestine Israel conflict form a large circle on Kendall Hall's lawn.

Photos of journalists who lost their lives in the Palestine Israel conflict form a large circle on Kendall Hall's lawn.

Front view of Kendall Hall

Jewish students react to antisemitic vandalism on campus, President Perez responds

Grace Stark, News Editor
May 3, 2024

Chico State President Steve Perez sent an email to the campus community on Friday condemning recent acts of hate-based, antisemitic vandalism on campus. In the email, Perez wrote that he was “angry...

Pro-Palestine banners put up on Butte Hall by Students for Justice in Palestine. Photo taken May 1, 2024. Photo taken May 1, 2024 by Molly Myers.

Ceasefire campaign launches on campus, President Perez sends email on protests 

Molly Myers and Grace Stark
May 2, 2024

UPDATE: Chico State is aware of Students for Justice in Palestine's demands, but said the student organization did not directly contacted them as of 12:18 p.m. today, Friday, May 3. "No members of Cabinet...

A heavy police presence is in the area of Nord Avenue. Taken by Callum Standish on May 2.

Police apprehend suspect following stabbing in area of Nord Avenue

A suspect was arrested in connection to a stabbing at an apartment complex located at 729 Nord Ave. on Thursday, the Chico Police Department said. CPD asked people to avoid the area of Nord Avenue from...

‘Civil War’ raises questions about journalistic ethics

Grace Stark, News Editor
April 29, 2024

Though the United States has not experienced anything like the dystopian America portrayed in the 2024 A24 film, “Civil War,” the concept of war is not new to the world, and certainly not to journalists.  Directed...

A student shovels dirt over the 2024 time capsule outside of Kendall Hall. The time capsule will be unveiled in 2074 as they are unveiled every 50 years. Taken by Grace Stark on April 23.

Chico State holds annual Time Capsule Ceremony for graduating seniors

Grace Stark and Steven Amador
April 25, 2024

Chico State held its annual Time Capsule Ceremony in front of Kendall Hall on Tuesday. The ceremony is held each year during WildCat Spirit Week and is organized by Associated Students and the Chico...

Chico State students bury the 2023 time capsule in front of Kendall Hall. Courtesy: Andrew Staples

Chico State’s annual Time Capsule Ceremony to take place on April 23

Grace Stark, News Editor
April 16, 2024

Chico State’s annual Time Capsule Ceremony will take place on April 23 from 1-1:30 p.m. in front of Kendall Hall.  The ceremony, discontinued in 1969, was continued in 2001 with the help of Associated...

Jan. 26, 2005 printed issue of The Orion with the headline “Drinking nearly cost pledge’s life.” The article discusses investigations of Chico State’s Sigma Chi fraternity after a pledge nearly died from alcohol consumption. Accessed through The Orion Archives on April 13.

Chico State’s hazing history: pledge deaths, alcohol poisoning and more

Grace Stark, News Editor
April 16, 2024

For years, Chico State’s Greek life has been hit with hazing investigations, loss of affiliation and temporary suspensions due to violations of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Policies and Procedures....

Unidentified Project Rebound staff members stand outside Butte Hall, where the organization's office resides on the first floor. Courtesy of Lucy Ventura, Project Rebound public relations executive.

Chico State’s Project Rebound helps students after incarceration

Grace Stark, News Editor
April 13, 2024

In 2023 Chico State launched Project Rebound, a student success program that supports Chico State students who have been incarcerated in a juvenile detention center, immigration detention center, jail...

The men’s bathroom on the second floor of Tehama Hall has a sign titled “All-Gender Restroom Coming Soon!” taped to it. The restrooms are expected to be updated by the fall 2025 semester in Yolo and the Student Services Center will also be under construction. Taken by Grace Stark on April 11.

Chico State announces construction plans for gender-inclusive bathrooms

Grace Stark, News Editory
April 11, 2024

The construction of all-gender bathrooms in Tehama and Yolo halls and the Student Services Center was announced in an email from The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion on Thursday. “Gender-inclusive...

GSEC's annual Take Back the Night March in 2022. This year's march will take place on April 25 Photo by Noah Herbst, April 21.

Chico State highlights Sexual Assault Awareness Month events

Grace Stark, News Editor
April 5, 2024

The Chico State Office of Equal Opportunity and Dispute Resolution sent an email to students on Tuesday highlighting upcoming events for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual violence is more prevalent...

AS representatives laughing. Taken by Jason Halley, University Photographer.

AS releases 2024 general election sample ballot Wednesday

Grace Stark, News Editor
March 13, 2024

Associated Students Government Affairs released the sample ballot for the 2024 General Election on Wednesday. The 2024 general election candidates are as follows: For president: Chris Sullivan ...

Shaking hands with dollar bills, checklists and scales in the background. Created by Grace Stark on March 4.

CSU Board of Trustees holds meeting Monday morning

Grace Stark, News Editor
March 4, 2024

The California State University Board of Trustees convened at 11 a.m. on Monday with the purpose of ratifying tentative agreements with the California Faculty Association, Teamsters Local 2010 and the...

Hands holding up a megaphone, a sign that reads “Teamsters Local 2010, CFA and APC” and a piece of paper that says “Tentative Agreement.” Created by Grace Stark on March 1.

3 Union tentative agreements to be voted on at CSU Board of Trustees March 4 meeting

Grace Stark, News Editor
March 2, 2024

The California State University Board of Trustees will convene Monday to approve tentative agreements with several unions. The meeting will discuss the California Faculty Association, Teamsters Local...

A Nov. 19, 2023 Palestine Walkout attendee holds a sign that reads “Stop Genocide Free! Palestine.” Taken on Nov. 19, 2023

Chico State Associated Students ceasefire resolution announced Saturday

Grace Stark, News Editor
March 2, 2024

Chico State’s Associated Students ceasefire resolution, the second one in the California State University System, was announced on Saturday. The announcement was posted via Instagram  by Chico State’s...

A group of raised hands against a blue background. Created by Ariana Powell on Feb. 23.

CSUEU, non-academic student assistants to unionize

Grace Stark, News Editor
February 24, 2024

Non-academic student assistants across all California State University campuses voted to join their union with the California State University Employment Union on Friday. While The Union of Academic...

The flagpole at Chico State in front of Kendall Hall

Chico State addresses FAFSA and CADAA delays

Grace Stark, News Editor
February 16, 2024

There may be delays in financial aid distribution due to changes in Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the California Dream Act Application. The Financial Aid and Scholarship Office addressed...

Chico state biology professor David Stachura. Courtesy: Chico State

Former biology professor no longer employed at Chico State

Maki Chapman, Jenna McMahon and Grace Stark
February 15, 2024

Chico State biology professor David Stachura as of Wednesday is no longer an employee at the university, public relations manager, Andrew Staples, said. However, it is unclear whether he was fired or...

The Bell Memorial Union on Chico State campus. Taken on July 25, 2018 by Jason Halley/University Photographer/CSU Chico

Student assistants vote on unionizing with CSUEU

Grace Stark, News Editor
February 15, 2024

A vote commenced across all California State University campuses on Thursday, Jan. 25 for student assistants to form their union with the California State University Employee Union. The union is aiming...

A stabbing occurred in Downtown Chico in the above shown area. Taken by Nathan Chiochios on Jan. 31.

Suspect arrested following stabbing in Downtown Chico

Ariana Powell and Grace Stark
January 31, 2024

A suspect, under the age 18, has been arrested following a stabbing in Downtown Chico on Wednesday, the Chico and University Police Departments said. The stabbing occurred in the area of West First...

Angeline Stansbury, (Ashlyn Myers), dances with the Nutcracker Prince (Chasen Greenwood).

‘A Very Chico Nutcracker’ opens Thursday

Grace Stark, Reporter
November 30, 2023

“The Nutcracker” is a classic Christmas story told through dance around the world. This holiday season, Chico Community Ballet will be performing “A Very Chico Nutcracker,” a spin on the original...

Muslim students face harassment at Chico High: Walkout for cease-fire

Molly Myers and Grace Stark
November 26, 2023

Muslim Chico High school students were subject to bullying and harassment before the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7. Now, they fear it will be worse. On Nov. 9, students from Chico high schools, Butte College...

Students table and share the history and current state of Palestine.

Students table and share the history and current state of Palestine.

Students stop to read pages displayed on the sidewalk.

Students stop to read pages displayed on the sidewalk.

A High School student speaks about Palestine.

A High School student speaks about Palestine.

A student holds a sign so that people can discuss US military aid in Palestine with her.

A student holds a sign so that people can discuss US military aid in Palestine with her.

Students kneel on the sidewalk to read about Palestinian victims.

Students kneel on the sidewalk to read about Palestinian victims.

Lists of lost Palestinian lives are displayed on the sidewalk.

Lists of lost Palestinian lives are displayed on the sidewalk.

A table with resources talking about Palestine sits in front of Kendall Hall along with a sign that reads "Call it what it is: apartheid and genocide." Photo taken at the Walkout for Cease-fire.

[Photo] Three Palestinian students share their perspective

Wyatt Alpert, Samuel Moore and Molly Myers
November 28, 2023

A table with resources talking about Palestine sits in front of Kendall Hall along with a sign that reads "Call it what it is: apartheid and genocide." Photo taken at the Walkout for Cease-fire.

Students attending the walkout gather in front of Kendall Lawn to learn about Palestine.

Students attending the walkout gather in front of Kendall Lawn to learn about Palestine.

Jack Abdulaziz at the SWANASA Advocates table sharing resources about what is happening in Palestine. Opposite him Chico High School student Shandana.

Jack Abdulaziz at the SWANASA Advocates table sharing resources about what is happening in Palestine. Opposite him Chico High School student Shandana.

Students kneel on the sidewalk to read the names of Palestinian victims.

Students kneel on the sidewalk to read the names of Palestinian victims.

A SWAT team arrives on the property with the suspect inside the house.

Chico Police Department and SWAT team respond to a burglary on Eighth St.

Grace Stark and C. Nicholas Kepler
November 17, 2023

Police surrounded a house on Eighth St. occupied by four burglar suspects earlier today. One suspect barricaded the door with three other suspects inside. Police closed down Eighth St. and are attempting...

Santa Claus arrives in the rain at the Community Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday at City Plaza.

A look at Downtown Chico’s holiday festivities

Grace Stark, Reporter
November 13, 2023

With the holidays just around the corner, Chico is hosting events such as fundraisers, craft fairs and more. Here’s a look at some upcoming activities to get in the holiday spirit. Chico Ice Rink...

Madeleine Yuna Voyles as Alphie in 20th Century Studios' THE CREATOR. Photo by Oren Soffer. © 2023 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

‘The Creator:’ Gareth Edward’s new look at artificial intelligence

Grace Stark, Reporter
October 24, 2023

With films like the “Terminator” franchise, “I, Robot,” “Blade Runner 2049” and many more, artificial intelligence is a popular and arguably important topic portrayed in film given its rising...

The outside of Tin Roof Bakery Cafe

Tin Roof Bakery and Cafe returns under new ownership

Grace Stark, Reporter
October 22, 2023

For a college town like Chico, good coffee shops are essential for study spots, meeting up with new friends or having quality alone time. Tin Roof Bakery and Cafe at West 7th and Broadway Streets satisfy...

SAE Fall class 2023. Photo taken by SAE Nationals

Sigma Alpha Epsilon enters the Greek life scene

Grace Stark, Reporter
October 6, 2023

As an endless amount of hazing incidents and complaints surround Greek life at Chico State, news of a new fraternity may not be exciting for some students – but a new fraternity is on the rise. In...

brick building with silver letters reading Éstom Jámani Hall. black street and white sidewalk

University Police Department informs students and faculty of new alert system

Grace Stark, Reporter
September 11, 2023

The University Police Department sent an email Aug.31, informing students of the schools new alert system. The new opt-out system will alert students and employees of emergencies in real-time. After...

Big group of people in colorful clothing man wearing hats outside in grassy valley

Adventure Outings stays afloat, students on what the program means to them

Grace Stark, Contributor
April 25, 2023

It wasn’t until they finally hit the rapids that he could get his mind off his soaking wetsuit and the 40-degree weather.  For an hour, Chico State freshman Nathan Solecki stood in the freezing...